While the ultimate decision about which Carts are submitted for Marking rests with Guildhall, it is effectively delegated to appropriately qualified members of the panel whose aim is to create a balanced, varied and interesting programme from the entries submitted. For guidance, ‘Carts’ in the following categories are considered by the panel;

1. Handcarts designed for the carriage of goods,
2. Horse-drawn carts and carriages constructed for the carriage of passengers or goods or for use in connection with trade
3. Pedal cycles or similar used for trade purposes
4. Steam driven road vehicles constructed for the purpose of either:
   • the carriage of goods or passengers or,
   • the towage of goods trailers,
5. Fork-lift trucks or similar, conditional upon them meeting all appropriate current regulations
6. Motor cycles used for courier or similar duties
7. Goods vehicles which must be empty of all commercial cargo (although the use of effects for display purposes and authenticity is permitted) and which conform to the following criteria:
   • Rigid goods vehicles without trailers,
   • Small urban use tractor units with trailers not exceeding eight metres in length
   • Goods vehicle tractor units without trailers
8. Public service vehicles (buses and coaches) with seats for 12 or more passengers
9. Licensed Hackney Carriages designed for that purpose which are, or have been, used as such
10. Private hire cars of especial interest, conditional on them carrying a current licence plate of a local authority which identifies them as such but private cars will NOT be considered unless they are of very special scientific or historical interest

Entering a Cart

Any Member of the Carmen Company may apply to enter a Cart.

Non-members are not so permitted as per the 1838 Act of Common Council.

Entrants do not have to own the Cart themselves but must have effective ownership and full control on the day.

Entry forms are issued by the Carmen’s office and should be completed in every respect and returned within the time specified to the person named thereon.

Telephone ‘entries’, those sent to the office or third parties and late entries will not be considered.

Entries will not be acknowledged upon receipt.

Although many entrants are regular participants, new entrants are encouraged and welcomed.

Those already in possession of a marked board should use that board since boards are issued to members of the Company for their personal use in their lifetime and are not specific to any one Cart.

Numbered Boards are not transferable.

First-time entrants whose applications are accepted will be allocated a number and advised how to obtain a new unmarked standard board. A small fee is payable for this (which is subsequently donated to The Carmen Benevolent Trust).

The more interesting a Cart is, then the more likely it is to be accepted.

Cart Marking Day

In advance of the event successful entrants will receive instructions which will, amongst other things, set out the procedure for arrival, including the time and location (with plan). It is important that these instructions are complied with. The assembly areas allocated are measured and the parade order planning takes account of the declared lengths of the Carts in order to maximise the available space whilst minimising congestion and obstruction. Once in position the ‘driver’ or other responsible person must remain in attendance. This is a police requirement. It must also be emphasised that all Carts and drivers must meet all current regulations in force for the category of Cart concerned, especially those pertaining to Insurance.

Marking of Carts

Whilst the actual Marking is the prerogative of the Keeper of the Guildhall it has become customary for it to be shared between the Master Carman and the Lord Mayor. From time to time a third party may be given the privilege of Marking a Cart, but only with the consent of Guildhall. The Carts move forward under the direction of stewards, each driver having first parted with the mandatory five shillings (25p) for which a receipt is issued. The Cart is halted in front of the dais and the mark of the year branded onto the board, which must be affixed to the cart in an appropriate location on the nearside (not on or near to the fuel tank for example).

Occupants are not permitted to leave their ‘Cart’ during the Marking Ceremony for photo shoots unless requested to do so by the Lord Mayor or Master Carman. However, an official photograph will be taken of the Marking of each Cart and sent free of charge to each entrant after the event. After Marking, most Carts will be instructed to leave Guildhall Yard and complete a circuit ‘around the block’ in procession. After the last Cart has been Marked, the first then re-enters Guildhall Yard and leads a slow drive past during which the VIPs raise their hats in salute. The Carts then disperse, although by prior booking and the pre-event consent of the Guildhall, a small number may be permitted to park in Guildhall Yard during the luncheon which follows.

General Points

Cart Marking is recognised as the second largest annual public spectacle in the City of London, surpassed only by the Lord Mayor’s Show. Unlike the Lord Mayor’s Show, however, there is no entry fee, although we recognise that entrants do incur costs. On the day up to 50 volunteers are involved in various roles to make the event a success. Entrants and guests alike can assist by complying with the above guidelines in advance, and any reasonable requests on the day.

There is limited space in Guildhall Yard, and limited seating. Cart Marking is a City Corporation event, and therefore open to the public. Seats are not reserved (except for a limited number for VIPs) and there is no charge for seat users or participants in general. Consequently, it is suggested that if you desire a seat, or the best vantage point, you should arrive early.

The financial success of the Event is wholly dependent upon:

a.            The level of advertising revenue from the programme. Click here to advertise in our programme

b.            Programme ‘donations’ on the day

c.            Attendance numbers at the luncheon

Your support with any or all of these aspects will be most appreciated.

Enter a vehicle online or by using our downloadable form 

Click here to use our online vehicle entry form and submit it by Monday 30 March 2026

Click here for a printable vehicle entry form – and follow the instructions provided on the form